PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A federal grand jury in Providence on Wednesday returned a two-count charging Matthew Golatto, 28, of Providence, a U.S. Postal letter carrier, with one count each of delaying delivery of mail and theft of mail, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Rafael Medina, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) - Northeast Area Field Office.
Golatto was charged by way of in this matter on July 17, 2013.
According to documents filed in the U.S. District Court, it is alleged that on July 8 and 9, 2013, after receiving information from an area resident a Postal employee recovered from two locations in Coventry a substantial number of pieces of mail allegedly discarded by Golatto. The mail was addressed to recipients in Coventry along routes assigned to Golatto.
In addition, according to court documents, on July 9, 2013, a substantial number of pieces of mail were allegedly recovered from Golatto’s personal vehicle, including 55 greeting card envelopes that had been opened. The contents of a number of the envelopes had been removed. USPS OIG agents recovered 36 retail gift cards from Golatto’s vehicle. Agents also recovered a package that had allegedly been opened which contained medicine mailed from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to a Coventry resident.
A criminal complaint and an indictment are merely allegations and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Golatto, who was released on unsecured bond following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Judge Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on July 30, 2013, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Aug. 13, 2013.
If convicted of delay of mail and theft of mail, Golatto faces statutory penalties of up to 5 years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release and up to a fine of $250,000 on each charge.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee.
Agents from the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General were assisted by Coventry Police in the investigation of this matter.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
